Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special: A Nostalgic Reunion with a Few Missing Pieces
Disney+ released the Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special, a highly anticipated event for fans and a project strongly desired by Miley Cyrus. But did the special live up to expectations?
During an interview within the special, Miley Cyrus revealed that one of the best pieces of professional advice she received from her godmother, Dolly Parton, was to “start promoting something publicly before you have confirmation, so they can’t say no to you.” Cyrus applied this strategy to the anniversary special, publicly discussing potential plans in 2025 even before formal conversations with Disney began. The resulting online enthusiasm ultimately made it demanding for Disney to decline the project.
Is the 20th Anniversary Special What Fans Deserved?
Disney+ promised a soulful and nostalgic tribute to fans. But did it deliver?
Hannah Montana 20th Anniversary Special is divided into two main segments: a concert performance and a behind-the-scenes look at the reconstructed sets of the original TV series. The concert features three songs: Best of Both Worlds (the present’s theme song), This Is The Life and The Climb (written by Miley Cyrus for the film). The performance showcases a mature and self-aware pop star, reminiscent of the artist first seen on Disney Channel. While the concert is strong, some fans may have wished for the inclusion of You’ll always find your way back home. The special concludes with a touching performance of Younger You, an original song written by Miley Cyrus to commemorate the anniversary and reflect on her journey, accompanied by a montage of scenes from the series.
The on-set segment features an interview conducted by Alex Cooper, with Miley Cyrus revisiting memorable moments and sharing behind-the-scenes stories. The segment includes archival footage, appearances from familiar faces, and surprise guests, including Selena Gomez (who played Mikayla Skeech, Hannah’s rival and Miley’s friend), former Disney Channel president Gary Marsh, and singer Chappell Roan. Miley’s parents, Tish and Billy Ray Cyrus, also appear, reflecting on their roles in Miley’s career both on and off-screen.
What Didn’t Work
A notable omission from the special was the participation of other key cast members. Emily Osment (Lilly Truscott), Mitchell Musso (Oliver Oken), and Jason Earl (Jackson Stewart) were not invited to participate, denying fans the opportunity for a full reunion and preventing the actors from sharing their collective memories, and emotions. This is arguably the special’s biggest shortcoming. While Miley Cyrus and the duality of the Hannah Montana character were central to the story, the show’s world and supporting characters were equally beloved by fans. Their absence felt like a missed opportunity.
Miley Cyrus has publicly discussed her evolving relationship with the Hannah Montana legacy, and her recent embrace of the character is evident in the special. Her decision to adopt a similar haircut to her alter ego, blurring the lines between Miley and Hannah, is a touching moment for fans. This newfound appreciation for Hannah Montana has resonated with many. The ending, mirroring the final scene of the original series, provided a fitting farewell.
However, the series was more than just Miley Cyrus, and failing to fully celebrate the contributions of the entire cast feels incomplete.